What does the Bible say about tithing
The tithe, giving a tenth of what you receive, appears in many parts of the Bible. Christians do not always agree on whether it is required today, but Scripture is clear about one thing: God values giving with a generous heart.
1. The tithe existed before the Law of Moses
The first time the tithe appears in the Bible is with Abram, who gave a tenth of everything to the priest Melchizedek as an act of gratitude to God.
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:20, KJV)
2. In Israel's Law, the tithe belonged to God
The Law of Moses established the tithe as something set apart for God. Among other things, it supported the Levites and helped those in need (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD. (Leviticus 27:30, KJV)
3. Malachi: an invitation to trust
Malachi 3:10 is the most quoted passage about tithing. In context, God calls Israel to return to Him and to trust His provision.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10, KJV)
4. Jesus mentioned the tithe, but focused on the heart
Jesus did not rebuke the Pharisees for tithing, but for neglecting what matters most: justice, mercy, and faith.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Matthew 23:23, KJV)
5. In the New Testament: giving generously and cheerfully
The New Testament does not repeat the tithe as a fixed rule, but it does teach giving generously, voluntarily, and cheerfully. That is why some churches teach the tithe as a standard and others see it as a good starting point for generosity. What they all share is this principle:
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV)
If you are unsure how to apply this to your financial situation, talk with your pastor. God looks at the heart, not only the amount (Mark 12:41-44).
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